Fishing Off Fukushima Coast Resumes in Japan

JAPAN - Trial fishing operations have begun off Japan's Fukushima coast after radiations tests gave the all clear.

The Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations decided to resume trial fishing after a string of radiation tests by member co-ops did not find any readings above the government’s 100 becquerels per kilogram safety limit for food products, reports JapanTimes.

Of the 100 fish and seafood products tested, 95 were clear of radioactive material, with the other five containing less than 1/10 of the limit, the federation said.

“We must carry out this trial operation to demonstrate to Tepco, the government and society that we are determined to act with an eye to starting full-fledged operations,” Hiroyuki Sato, chief of the fisheries co-op, told a group of fishermen prior to the fleet’s departure.

It is vital that fish farm operatives who are responsible for farmed fish are trained in their health and
welfare. This will help to ensure that fish are free from disease and suffering whilst at the same time
promote good productivity and comply with legislation.